Who is the New Geoff Johns?

With DC Comics Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns stepping away from comics to fulfill a more comprehensive role for DC Entertainment’s film and television franchises, the role of ‘World Builder’ for the Rebirth universe – DC’s soft-relaunched ‘classic’ universe that kicked off last June – has gone largely unfilled. While it’s true that Johns himself designed Rebirth and the mysteries surrounding the multiversal crisis, he’s yet to write a book since it began. Even the first major crossover event, Justice League vs. Suicide Squad, was handled by The Flash writer Joshua Williamson.

Generally speaking, things have been going well – many titles are enjoying an uptick in sales, some due to a twice-monthly publishing schedule, and the DC Universe feels like it once did as creators bring more and more elements from the past to the present. There’s incredible talent at DC, and it’s to the publisher’s credit that there are so many different voices contributing to Rebirth’s impressive output thus far. That said, this initiative has felt like a ship without a captain onboard, a huge new sandbox filled with awesome toys and no adult supervision.

Rebirth is great in no small part to the engenderment of nostalgia; familiar names that seemed alien or mischaracterized during the ‘New 52’ suddenly felt right again, like DC finally grasped what made these characters work and just let it happen instead of trying to control every single detail. Unfortunately, the high quality of individual Rebirth series belies the absent cohesion, mainly the aforementioned playground metaphor concerning the lack of a ‘brand leader’ to direct the general flow of DC shared universe narrative.

I’m not advocating for a World Builder in the way Johns was or Grant Morrison before him – mainly, there needs to be at least one or two creators whose titles affect other titles outside crossover issues or events, a writer helming a book that speaks to the wider DC shared superhero universe while also telling a cogent story. Marvel’s toyed around the concept over the decades, most recently with Brian Michael Bendis then Jonathan Hickman before the directionless-ness the House of Ideas is currently experiencing (although an argument could also be made for Al Ewing or Nick Spencer at the time of this writing.)

There are a few good options for ‘universal affecter’. Joshua Williamson is killing it on Flash and wrote an exciting, interesting crossover event that didn’t get too big or cave in on its own conceit. Scott Snyder is arguably DC’s most well-known creator, but he’s almost too comfortable in the Batman corner to effectively impact much outside Gotham’s shadow. Dan Abnett writes Aquaman and Titans, Peter J. Tomasi has Superman and Super Sons, Ben Percy is on Teen Titans and Green Arrow – any of these three would be a good choice. But honestly, it comes down to the Justice League, and I don’t say that lightly.

In the 1990s, Grant Morrison wrote JLA and directed the course of DC Comics for years. He followed that up with a giant multiversal saga that spanned three events and a new Superman origin story over a decade (Seven Soldiers of Victory, Final Crisis, Action Comics: Superman at the End of Days, The Multiversity). Similarly, Johns held the reins at DC with Justice League throughout the five years of the ‘New 52’, even going so far as to blatantly ignore the status quo to finish “The Darkseid War”. For the DCYou initiative (the death throes of the ‘New 52’ that started in Spring 2015), Bryan Hitch was also given the freedom to ignore continuity for Justice League of America (an expressed ‘side story’) before he scored the Rebirth volume of the Justice League eponymous title to all-around negative reception because it’s terrible.

A certain level of authority comes with writing the Justice League, the power to change the direction of any one of these incredibly important characters. Whether it’s the effects of a battle or the development of interpersonal relationships, what happens in the League is significant across DC titles and always has been.

With all this said, the clear decision for the ‘New Geoff Johns’ is Steve Orlando.

Orlando began his career at DC Comics with Midnighter during the DCYou initiative, celebrated for its engaging and well-characterized take on StormWatch’s resident badass as well as his tactful representation of Midnighter’s sexuality. He then scripted issues of Batman and Robin Eternal and wrote the Justice League – The Darkseid War: Shazam! one-shot. For Rebirth, Orlando hit the ground running with Midnighter and Apollo (the sequel series to Midnighter) and Supergirl, then co-wrote “Night of the Monster Men” with Tom King through Batman, Nightwing, and Detective Comics in October 2016. What seals the deal for Orlando as ‘DC Showrunner’ is his most recent project: Justice League of America.

** SPOILERS FOR JUSTICE LEAGUE vs. SUICIDE SQUAD AHEAD! **

Justice League vs. Suicide Squad changed how ordinary citizens see superheroes after Maxwell Lord uses his Eclipso powers to possess the League (except Batman) and turns them into soldiers to take control of the entire planet in less than fifteen minutes. More often than not the ends don’t justify the means, and no manner of excuse can shake the distrust and fear ordinary civilians begin to feel in the wake of their protectors turning on them. With Hitch’s Justice League floundering out of the gate, Orlando’s quirky JLA roster is the superhero team we need, and also the one we totally deserve after having to read “The Extinction Machine” (Justice League #1-5.) Batman understands that powerless need to feel empowered, that living in a world with gods watching over them doesn’t mean they can’t themselves be heroes. This is the reason for Bruce’s Justice League of America, a purposely named team with purposely chosen individuals to carry out a purposely designed mission statement.

Mari McCabe (Vixen) brings a level of celebrity to the team, a model and animal activist turned heroine whose take-no-crap attitude is necessary to keep conflicting personalities in line and ready to act. Ryan Choi takes up the mantle of the Atom when Ray Palmer goes missing in the Microverse and Batman comes knocking with an offer to be in the…a Justice League. After she saves the world in JL vs. SS, all Caitlin Snow (Killer Frost) wants is a chance for redemption, so that’s what Batman offers; he secures her release from the Suicide Squad and vouches for her membership. Ray Terrill (The Ray) thought he was allergic to light and lived inside until he couldn’t take it anymore and discovered he was living light – after four years of learning how to become and manipulate light, Ray’s first instinct is to help those in need with his abilities. Dinah Drake (Black Canary) is there to keep the team in check and be the moral center that stays their hand when it harms instead of helps, a role Batman insists any team needs. And then there’s Lobo, a galactic bounty hunter who would probably love Donald Trump, can’t die, and happens to owe Batman a debt.

Each of these individuals brings something different to the table in terms of power sets, personalities, and culture. Orlando recognizes the necessity for relatable characters with diverse backgrounds working together for the greater good, less manifest destiny like the world’s most powerful heroes banding together as planetary defense force and more a collective of people with powers trying to be better. And this is exactly why Orlando’s writing is engaging – he tells stories about heroes striving to improve themselves and find closure in a world where the impossible happens every day. All of Orlando’s work exhibits this theme on some level, and it’s the tone DC needs right now even as it enjoys the financial success of Rebirth, et al.

Allowing Orlando to bring his cunning, organic, character-driven style to Justice League of America shows DC has faith in the man’s ability. The astonishing lead-up to the series included four character-specific one-shot Rebirth issues – Vixen, The Ray, Killer Frost, The Atom – and a collective Justice League of America: Rebirth one-shot all before the first proper #1 issue; this points to DC’s investment in Orlando and this series in general.

With DC Entertainment’s film universe in flux and Bryan Hitch’s Justice League in the toilet, Justice League of America is poised as the publisher’s new flagship title that reflects a more comprehensive theme for Rebirth moving forward, one that focuses on characters and finds common ground through relatable situations.

Geoff Johns did an admirable job directing the ‘New 52’ despite its many and varied flaws. His parting gift to DC Comics was the Rebirth initiative that fused the old with the new by bringing elements from the classic DC universe into the standardized ‘New 52’ timeline, a move that could have been disastrous but as proven to be exactly what the company needed. This healthy balance of new ideas and tradition is a perfect landscape for Steve Orlando to helm a new era of DC Comics that values diversity and inclusion and honors the past while working for a better future.

EXTRA! EXTRA! (JAN 23-29, 2013)

Green Lantern Corps #16
(Tomasi, Pasarin)

Green Lantern Corps #0 back in September introduced Guy Gardner's family, a plot element that's continued throughout "Rise of the Third Army" as Guy's illustrious rank in the Corps is stripped and he's forced to go back to Earth, disgraced and powerless. Peter J. Tomasi has done a great job fleshing out Guy's downward spiral that comes to a head this month in Green Lantern Corps #16 as the Third Army goes after Guy. With guest stars B'dg and Simon Baz from the pages of Green Lantern, Tomasi is building up to next week's explosive finale of "Rise of the Third Army" that will lead into "Wrath of the First Lantern", an event that promises to change the cosmic landscape of the DCnU.

GRADE: 8/10

Red Hood and The Outlaws #16
(Lobdell, Green II, Faucher)

While definitely on the 'not terribly relevant' end of the spectrum for "Death of the Family" tie-ins, Red Hood and The Outlaws #16 does provide an interesting crossover between the title and the Teen Titans who join Arsenal and Starfire in searching for their respective Red-titled leaders. This issue is about setting up the future of Red Hood and The Outlaws by touching on Roy Harper's surprising past with Killer Croc, a look at the mysterious Dr. Hugo Strange, as well as an epilogue about Deathstroke pointing toward some re-envisioned classic Titans/Deathstroke action! Of all the titles he's writing for DC, Scott Lobdell's work on this series is the best: it's relatable and meaningful, it's not saturated with internal monologue, and the characters feel like real people instead of an idea of what people should sound like. Even though the Joker is hardly a focus of this chapter in "Death of the Family", the tie-in label is still valid because Joker's actions have caused a lot more consequences than even the Clown Prince of Crime could have anticipated.

GRADE: 8/10

Supergirl #16
(Johnson, Asrar)

While I was a big fan of Supergirl since it started, I've found myself liking it less and less every month, starting with the departure of series co-writer Michael Green II, then with the "H'el on Earth" tie-in issues that feel so forced I almost want to just stop reading the book until all this Kryptonian stuff is sorted out. Supergirl #16 continues the odd trend of reworking Kara's unique personality; instead of being the bold, independent thinker she'd been for 13 issues thus far, Kara's become a slack-jawed servant to the whims of H'el, a guy who couldn't look more evil and despicable if he tried. Homesickness can go a long way in influencing actions, but it's hard to balance Kara's total support of H'el's obviously insane machinations against her previous, well-adjusted self. I'm hoping we'll get the Kara we all know and love back after the conclusion of "H'el on Earth."

GRADE: 7/10

Uncanny X-Force #1
(Humphries, Garney, Miki)

With a title that requires this series to somewhat live up to the spectacle of it's predecessor, Sam Humphries and Ron Garney's Uncanny X-Force is about a new era for some of Marvel's leading ladies, as well as Puck, the mystical dwarf from Canada. But I digress because UXF (v2) is actually very fun and entertaining -- Storm and Psylocke are working together to find and stop classic X-Men villain Spiral from peddling her hive-mind hallucinogenics to club scene ravers. So far, there's not a lot to explain exactly why all these characters will eventually join forces (including Fantomex offshoot Cluster), but that's not the point of this first issue: it's to show how Betsy Braddock -- the only remaining member of the previous X-Force team unless you kind of count Cluster -- hasn't moved on from what happened with that team and how those lingering emotions are making her life unlivable. This volume of Uncanny X-Force has the potential to be one of the coolest 'Marvel NOW!' series going forward, but it's going to take a voice of it's own that's not drowned out by other female-centric books like the non-adjectived X-Men or even Fearless Defenders.

GRADE: 7.5/10

THE WEEK (DEC 19-25, 2012)

FEATURED REVIEW

Hawkeye #6
(Fraction, Aja)

Captain America #2
(Remender, Romita Jr.)

FF #2
(Fraction, Allred)

Green Lantern #15
(Johns, Mahnke)

Nightwing #15
(Higgins, Barrows)

Supergirl #15
(Johnson, Asrar)

Wonder Woman #15
(Azzarello, Chiang)

Extra! Extra!
All-New X-Men #4
Green Lantern: New Guardians #15
Indestructible Hulk #2
Red Hood and The Outlaws #15
Thor: God of Thunder #3
X-Men Legacy #3

EXTRA! EXTRA! (NOV 21-27, 2012)

Iron Man #2
(w) Kieron Gillen
(p) Greg Land

I'm a bit less enamored with Iron Man #2 as I was with Kieron Gillen's first issue, which looked at Tony Stark under a harsher light of reality and set up a potentially expansive storyline. Unfortunately, Gillen falters a bit this time with his overblown Arthurian references that had little to do with what was actually going on and proved more of a hindrance to the story. This new Extremis storyline, again, has the potential to take Iron Man to awesome new places as a character, but unless Gillen turns it back to the philosophical edge it had in the first issue, Iron Man is going to suffer. I'm hopeful, though, because Gillen has a history of building stories up to immense proportions.

GRADE: 7/10

Supergirl #14
(w) Mike Johnson
(p) Mahmud Asrar

I was severely disappointed in last week's Superboy #14 for providing literally no back story for the currently happening "H'el on Earth" crossover, though Mike Johnson's second solo issue, Supergirl #14, adds a lot of exposition to a situation that was getting frustratingly thin. H'el seems to be a loyalist to the House of El of which Superman and Supergirl are members, though he believes that Earth is a hindrance to going back in time and saving Krypton from it's demise. It's a bit convoluted, but that's alright at this point in the story -- giving readers bits and pieces of the overall narrative works well as Johnson reveals H'el to be the creep he appears to be with the added twist of being surprisingly eloquent and empathetic. The other big bit of information involves Superboy himself, as H'el has deemed Kon an abomination worthy only of a swift death, something which Supergirl sympathizes, but can't help but feel is wrong.

GRADE: 8/10


Wonder Woman #14
(w) Brian Azzarello
(p) Tony Akins

There's a lot going on in Brian Azzarello's Wonder Woman, and I'm loving ever minute of it -- Wonder Woman is trying to convince her psychotic half-sister, Siracca, to become an ally in the fight against Apollo and Hermes, the children of Zeus are still bickering about how they should proceed in their era of rule, and the Big Bad Dad has managed to make it out of his 7,000 year-long purgatory. Azzarello obviously has big plans for Diana, and this issue feels like an organic shift into a new era for Wonder Woman that's obviously going to include the gods of New Genesis weighing in on the current situation concerning Mt. Olympus. Wonder Woman #14 cements this series not only as one of the best 'New 52' titles published each month, but it also shows how much love Azzarello has for the characters he's responsible for. Wonder Woman, as a character, has gone through a lot of controversy over the years in regards to the quality of her stories, the general mythology that surrounds the Amazonians, and her place as DC's biggest female character, so it's nice to see Azzarello really taking her seriously and turning Wonder Woman into one of DC's most critically lauded series.

GRADE: 8.5/10

THE WEEK (NOV 21-27, 2012)

FEATURED REVIEW

Captain America #1
(w) Rick Remender
(p) John Romita Jr.
After a long (<8 years) and fruitful run from the amazing Ed Brubaker, Rick Remender is taking over writing duties for Captain America, and he's starting out big. Cap' will forgo a lot of the 'spy intrigue' of the Brubaker era in place of sci-fi 'weird science' stories. Plus, John Romita Jr. is one of Marvel's biggest guns.

DC Universe Presents #14
(w) Marc Andreyko
(p) Robson Rocha
I wholly enjoyed the first part of "Black Lightning and Blue Devil", especially Marc Andreyko's interesting take on the relationship between these two characters. 

Green Lantern: New Guardians #14
(w) Tony Bedard
(p) Aaron Kuder
Kyle Rayner continues his quest, this month, to master all the colors of the emotional spectrum. Last time, Atrocitus managed to push the most peaceful Green Lantern into a rage-filled rampage. How will Arkillo teach Kyle about fear this month?

Hawkeye #4
(w) Matt Fraction
(p) David Aja
Instead of focusing on all the 'Marvel NOW!' stuff, executives should be figuring out any way possible to get Hawkeye on a more regular schedule. As in twice a month. This is by and far my favorite series from Marvel right now. It's amazing. Read it.

Indestructible Hulk #1
(w) Mark Waid
(p) Lenil Yu
Normally, I don't like Hulk that much. I've never really found anything much interesting about a character who's just whiny when he's a human and angry when he's Hulk. Hopefully, Mark Waid can work the same magic he did with Daredevil and turn the Hulk into one of Marvel's most nuanced heroes. Also, Lenil Yu is a fantastic artist.

Justice League #14
(w) Geoff Johns
(p) Tony S. Daniel
Apparently, "the road to 'Trinity War' goes through Justice League #14", as some promos have put it. Either way, "The Secret of the Cheetah" made the villainous Cheetah more interesting and fun than she's been in ages, so I'm down to finish up this little mini-arc.

Supergirl #14
(w) Mike Johnson
(p) Mahmud Asrar
Last week's "H'el on Earth" crossover issue, Superboy #14, was a travesty. Hopefully, Mike Johnson can right the ship and get this Superman Family crossover going the right direction. Though, last month's issue without Michael Green co-writing was the weakest issue of the series to date, so i don't know.

Extra! Extra!
Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #4 of 4
(w) Darwyn Cooke
(p) Amanda Conner

Iron Man #2
(w) Kieron Gillen
(p) Greg Land

Journey Into Mystery #646
(w) Kathryn Immonen
(p) Valerio Schiti

Wonder Woman #14
(w) Brian Azzarello
(p) Tony Akins

EXTRA! EXTRA! (OCT 17-23, 2012)

Before Watchmen: Minutemen #4 of 6
(w/p) Cooke

Minutemen #4 continues Darwyn Cooke's absolutely phenomenal take on the group that fought crime before the Watchmen formed by way of two stories - one focused on Comedian's time on a Japanese island during World War II, the other about the death of Silhouette. While Brian Azzarello tries in vain in Comedian to make Eddie Blake a relatable character, Cooke manages to do so with ease by placing the Comedian in one of his first morally ambiguous situations that changes the way he views war and the world. Silhouette's part of the issue is really more about Nite Owl Hollis Mason's relationship with Silhouette and how her death affects him and the rest of the Minutemen. This is truly the best title of Before Watchmen, and honestly, one of the best titles of 2012 - while I'm still generally skeptical of the entire prequel notion (see every other BW series besides Ozymandias and Silk Spectre), Minutemen directed by Darwyn Cooke has the potential to be an ongoing series...if only.

GRADE: 9.5/10

Blue Beetle #13
(w) Tony Bedard
(p) Ig Guara
(i) JP Mayer

Blue Beetle #13 picks up after the events of Justice League International Annual #1 wherein Brother Eye forced O.M.A.C. to transport Jaime Reyes to home planet of the aliens behind the scarab technology, Reachworld. Similarly, it's best to have read Blue Beetle #0 as well, seeing as the central antagonist is none other than the mysteriously resurrected corpse of Sky Witness, the man who wore the Khaji-Da armor before Jaime. And instead of finding an all-out brawl between Jaime and the Reach as expected, I found something even better - a Reach solider who desires autonomy after achieving self-thought for only a moment while fighting Blue Lanterns on Odym. Not only does this plot promote inter-title cohesion in creating a more complete DCnU, but it shows that the universe is not a static place that doesn't change - even alien cults like the Reach have mutiny within their ranks, and change doesn't always have to happen only for the good guys.

GRADE: 8/10

Catwoman #13
(w) Ann Nocenti
(p) Rafa Sandoval
(i) Jordi Tarragona

While this issue might be fashioned as a "Death of the Family Prelude", it's really not that at all, which means that I basically read an issue of Catwoman for no other reason that to read an issue of Catwoman, and in the 'New 52', that's kind of lame. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure there's an avid fan base for a Selina Kyle who over-sexualizes everything, looks like her skin fuses with her leather jumpsuit, and who can't seem to grow as a character. Unfortunately, I am not part of that fan base, nor have I ever really thought that Catwoman was a strong enough character to warrant so much focus. Anyhow, Catwoman fights (another) rich kid from Gotham who thinks the city belongs to them - it's not inventive, there's no 'twist' anywhere, and the connection to Scott Snyder's Joker-centric event is virtually non-existent (you wouldn't see it if you weren't looking).

GRADE: 5/10

Nightwing #13
(w) Tom DeFalco
(p) Andres Guinaldo
(i) Mark Irwin and Raul Fernandez

Nightwing doesn't cross over with "Death of the Family" for a few more months, so for the time being, Tom DeFalco is taking over with art by Andres Guinaldo to tell a tale about Nightwing and Lady Shiva - one of the most lethal assassins in the entire world. Nightwing #13 makes as much of a reference to the Joker as Catwoman #13 does, yet Dick Grayson's title get's no "Prelude" kind of treatment - who knows what goes on in the minds of DC editors. Dick is forced to track down Shiva on his own since the rest of the Bat Family is otherwise occupied, and it doesn't seem to go so well. By the end, Dick realizes he's been played in a game of bait-and-switch, surely leading to a more vengeful tone for Nightwing in coming issues.

GRADE: 7.8/10

Red Hood and The Outlaws #13
(w) Scott Lobdell
(p/i) Timothy Green II

The Outlaws wrap up their cosmic adventure as Starfire and her sister, Blackfire, take on the invading Blight and drive them away from Tamaran. In all honesty, Red Hood and Arsenal don't do a whole lot this month besides get in the way of Kori and Kom's fight with the Blight leader. Red Hood and The Outlaws #13 is mostly about tying up all the loose ends from this arc - Kori and her sister make amends for past sins, Jason Todd manages to keep his date alive despite getting caught in an alien war, and Roy Harper lives to narrate another day. It's the final page that holds omens for the coming months, ones that connect to RHatO #0 released last month.

GRADE: 7/10

Supergirl #13
(w) Mike Johnson
(p/i) Sami Basri

This might be the most disappointing issue of Supergirl to date - there's a lot of talking, some one-sided fighting, and a coincidental conclusion that isn't very satisfying at all. This is the first issue without Michael Green co-writing with Mike Johnson, and it shows; the fight between Supergirl and Tycho (the multi-billionaire from the first issue, only now with shape-shifting superpowers) really feels quite meaningless, as Tycho hasn't been seen or heard from since the debut issue, and because he doesn't seem to have any purpose in taking Supergirl, especially since he can speak Kryptonian now (somehow) and can communicate with her. The whole "story" feels like a big letdown, the only upside to which is a revelation about Kara's space-pod at the bottom of the sea. Beyond that, this issue really isn't worth reading - best wait for "H'el on Earth" to start next month.

GRADE: 5/10

Wonder Woman #13
(w) Brian Azzarello
(p) Tony Akins
(i) Dan Green

While the past two months of Wonder Woman have brought a lot of shock and awe - first with the tease of the New Gods in WW #12, then with a classic tale re-envisioned in WW #0 - this month's issue focuses on bringing some new conflicts into the lives of Diana and her companions. The goddess Hera has been made mortal, so she's hanging with the posse now, the gods on Olympus have to figure out who is going to usurp them all, and Diana's next step is finding another of Zeus' children to aid in the quest to restore Olympus to it's former glory. Brian Azzarello has such a distinct trajectory for Wonder Woman that this issue doesn't feel like filler, even though that's what it mostly consists of. Obviously, we're all waiting for the New Gods to show up because it's the New Gods and that's just freaking amazing - however long it takes Azzarello to get there will be agonizing, but it will be fun nonetheless.

GRADE: 8/10

SUPERGIRL #0

STORY: Michael Green and Mike Johnson
ART: Mahmud Asrar

For as good as Supergirl has been, it's starting to become a bit long in the tooth. I know that's a heavy accusation to make, but it comes after a few months of so-so issues, this entertaining yet oddly unsatisfying "Issue Zero", and the anticipation of the upcoming "H'el on Earth" crossover between Superman, Superboy, and Supergirl. It's an odd time for this series, and it shows. Last week's Superboy #0 was a steaming pile of crap that really wasn't worth the read. Supergirl #0 manages to one-up it's male equivalent in every possible aspect, even if it wasn't hard to accomplish in the first place. "The End of the Beginning" is a misnomer, somewhat, as it's a story about the 'end' of Krypton, as well as the 'beginning' of Kara's decades-long journey to become Supergirl of Earth. In reality, it's the 'beginning of the beginning' of Kara's new life, and (arguably) the 'beginning of the end' of Krypton. Oh, diction and syntax - you've reared your fascinating little heads yet again. But enough about the grammatical technicalities of the English language.

Supergirl #0 takes readers back to Argo City on Krypton - the most advanced and prosperous city on the planet, envied by all others. Part of the city's success is attributed to Zor-El's genius power generators that provide limitless energy to all peoples of the city. Though Michael Green and Mike Johnson don't just make him come out and say it, there are heavy implications that Zor-El's generators are responsible for causing the damage to the interior of the planet, resulting in a global increase of earthquake activity. As we all know, Superman's dad - Jor-El - was the one who discovered that Krypton was dying. At first, it seems like Zor-El is just clued-in, and simply wants to save his family. After a few pages and some shifty behavior, it becomes evident that Zor is to blame for the destruction of Krypton, hoping that the force field he built for Argo City would hold against the eruption of an entire planet and earn the errant scientist his presumed redemption. Of course, part of his delusional self-fulfilling prophecy concerns making sure his daughter gets out alive.

Similar to Jor-El's ship for his son, but a lot more eggy, Zor-El places his sleeping daughter into the pod in preparation to send her off-world to orbit a yellow sun until she could be retrieved. The situation becomes a questionable again when Zor is forced to drug his own daughter to see through his plan. Green and Johnson do an excellent job portraying the slowly unhinging Zor-El as he gets closer to his endgame and loses more of his grip on reality.

In a rather surprising twist, Kara's mother - Alura - is visited by none other than...Superboy? With no explanation whatsoever (not even an Editor's Note telling me to wait until next week or anything!), the person who looks exactly like Superboy warns Alura to seek out her daughter and say goodbye. Alura arrives at her husband's lab right as he's about to close the pod and launch Kara into space. Alura shoots Zor-El and attempts to retrieve her daughter before a dying Zor launched the pod. Honestly, this was the biggest letdown of the issue, and it's a big letdown because it's the climax of the entire issue. For the past twelve months, Green and Johnson have done a great job with emotional nuance. The entire scene between Zor-El and Alura is an emotional bombshell that acts as a catalyst for the entire Supergirl series. At least, it's supposed to be.

Green and Johnson drop the ball here, and the entire sequence comes across and hollow and meaningless, mostly because we only know Zor-El as a nutjob now, and we don't know Alura at all. Sure, there are universal human stories at play here, and sometimes that's enough. Unfortunately, Supergirl #0 needed a bit more detail and characterization for a scene like this to work, and it just didn't. It's a painful end to an otherwise solid issue. I'm still looking forward to Supergirl in the future because we'll likely never have to deal with either Zor-El or Alura directly ever again, so it's of no consequence, HAHA!

GRADE:

C+

UPCOMING REVIEWS (SEP 19-25)

Blue Beetle #0
(Bedard, Guara)
- Jaime Reyes is the current host of the Reach scarab Khaji-Da, but who wore it before Jaime? This "Zero Issue" brings a tale of the Reach solider that made Jaime's scarab a household name.

Captain Marvel #4

(DeConnick, Soy)

- Kelly Sue DeConnick has given Carol Danvers a whole new voice, and it's been for the better. After years of playing pawn to Marvel's major events, Carol is now getting the quality treatment she deserves from a writer who knows this character inside and out. I mean, DeConnick was recently given Avengers Assemble, as well, proving she has what it takes in today's comic industry. If you aren't already reading this one, I suggest you start.

DC Universe Presents #0
(Bedard, Robinson, Liefeld, Didio, CAFU, Mychaels, Derenick, Battle)
- In homage to some of the titles cancelled back in April to make way for the "Second Wave" of 'New 52' titles, DC Universe Presents #0 brings five stories about Hawk and Dove, O.M.A.C., the Blackhawks, Mister Terrific, and a special story about Deadman. DCUP has been an excellent anthology series thus far, so I'm excited to see how these smaller stories will fare.

Justice League #0

(Johns, Frank)

- Billy Batson is the focus of this Justice League origin issue, leading in from the "Shazam" back-ups in the pages of JL over the past few months. Will Shazam join the Justice League? How will Billy balance his attitude with his new responsibilities? Find out this week!

Spider-Men #5 of 5
(Bendis, Pichelli)
- After an issue a bit too stuffed with big battles, I'm hopeful Brian Michael Bendis can pull Spider-Men out from just being another fan-service series and turn it into something that affects both Earth-616 and the Ultimate Marvel universe.

Supergirl #0

(Green, Johnson, Asrar)

- Questions will be answered! In a true "Zero Issue", we find out who sent Kara to Earth on the eve of Krypton's destruction. Also, Kara discovers who murdered her father! Supergirl has been one of the most consistently impressive series DC releases, so I have high hopes for this origins issue.

Sword of Sorcery #0
(Marx, Bedard, Lopresti, Ryan)
- To be honest, I'm seriously not very interested in this series, but I'm still willing to give it a chance to win me over. I've never been a huge "dragons and magic" fantasy buff, and it's looking more and more like that is what Sword of Sorcery is going to be, albeit with an alien world thrown into the mix. Plus, the "Beowulf" back-up just seems silly. But who knows - maybe I'll be wooed by Christy Marx's writing and Aaron Lopresti's artwork.

4-Sentence Reviews

* Before Watchmen: Nite Owl #3 of 4

* Green Lantern: New Guardians #0

* Nightwing #0

* Red Hood and The Outlaws #0

* Wonder Woman #0

4-SENTENCE REVIEWS (AUG 15-21)

Avengers #29
(Bendis, Simonson)

Now in it's fifth month, Avengers vs. X-Men is beginning to become a little tiresome, and the evidence doesn't come quite as perfectly as in Avengers #29, an issue that focuses on Rachel Grey and the Avengers' attempt to sway her loyalties in efforts to retain a powerful psychic soldier of their own. If that sentence wasn't enough evidence that writers are now grasping for straws when it comes to AvX side-stories, I don't know what will. Seriously, Avengers #29 is so bland and full of unnecessary plot that even the die-hard event readers will have a tough time justifying this issue's existence; I understand this event is supposed to be affecting the Marvel universe on a grand scale, but where are the random bar brawls, or the anonymous vandalism directed at each team? Marvel could have made this whole crossover far more visceral and impactful, and Avengers #29 is the exact opposite of these ideals: it's long, boring, and useless.

GRADE: C

Before Watchmen: Rorschach #1 of 4

(Azzarello, Bermejo)

Rorschach is Brian Azzarello's second attempt at bringing readers a decent Before Watchmen series that isn't stuck in 1960s stereotypes and thought processes. Rorschach's adventures are far more interesting than those of Eddie Blake, but unfortunately, Azzarello simply can't seem to write an impactful story set in this universe. Rorschach is about our titular 'hero' going after a serial killer murdering whores throughout the city - instead of attempting to give Rorschach more characterization, Azzarello is content with simply giving readers more of the same. We already know that Rorschach doesn't like whores or killers, so why do I need to read a series that just reiterates these facts over and over again? (Here's a hint: I don't).

GRADE: C

Captain Marvel #2
(DeConnick, Soy)

One big problem with characters that are anything other than white American males is that they're expected to be ambassadors for their respective 'minority' group - African-American heroes tend to have race-related story arcs, teenagers get stories that emulate their awkward emotions, and women have to feminists, fighting for the greater good of women everywhere. There's nothing wrong with these practices, per se (diversity is usually a great thing), but they limit the scope and potential these characters have by forcing them to tackle such specific issues. Hence, my major problem with Captain Marvel so far has been Kelly Sue DeConnick's insatiable need to connect Carol Danvers to heroic women from the past, something that really isn't necessary for such an already-strong character. I want to go on record saying I really, really, really enjoy Captain Marvel - the art is fantastic and the narrative pacing is great - but it's still finding it's wings, searching for a voice for Carol that's not simply "strong female" and "girl power."

GRADE: B-

Green Lantern Corps #12

(Tomasi, Gleason)

After four rocky issues, Green Lantern Corps comes around with the conclusion to "Alpha War", an arc that saw the trial of John Stewart for the murder of a fellow Lantern, a lot of Guardian vagueness concerning the Third Army, Guy Gardner being Guy Gardner, and now, the end of the Alpha Lanterns. Green Lantern Corps #12 picks up from last issue with the Alphas facing a massive reprogrammed Manhunter golem, but slowly turns its attention to the emotional aspects of being an Alpha, and where those who investigate their peers stand when it comes down to what is right and what is wrong. While the rest of the Alphas are dedicated to their fight, Alpha Varix starts questioning their actions and soon becomes an ally for the Corps, sacrificing himself in the end to save the brotherhood he loved so much. While I wasn't impressed with most of this arc, Peter J. Tomasi really stepped up his game this month and brought a great conclusion that actually achieved emotional resonance and made me excited for upcoming issues.

GRADE: A

Red Hood and The Outlaws #12
(Lobdell, Green II)

Focusing all of his plotting efforts on Superboy and Teen Titans has made Red Hood and The Outlaws Scott Lobdell's best current series by far, where instead of worrying about cryptic, grand enemies, Jason Todd, Roy Harper and Starfire are involved in more character-driven stories that have built them up as people instead of a group of faceless masks. We're right in the middle of the current arc - where Starfire drags the boys into outer space to answer the call of duty from her home world of Tamaran - as the gang prepares for an assault on the surface of the planet to confront the Blithe, the alien species responsible for Tamaran's enslavement. The story itself is minimalistic and fun, but Jason Todd is starting to lose his personality; while the first eight issues highlighted Jason's fractured mental state and how he interacted with the rest of the world, he's becoming just another Batman ally, one who talks about "innocents" and "duty" a bit too much for my taste, especially after being a fan of his more dour behavior for the past year. Fortunately, Blackfire - Starfire's sister - is introduced in these pages, showing that the Tamaranian sisters have a solid relationship unhindered by past transgressions or rumors from across the galaxy.

GRADE: B+

Saga #6

(Vaughan, Staples)

Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples have been banging out a new issue of Saga every month since February, and the quality, scope, and grandeur of the series is palpable. As the end of the sort-of 'Act I', Saga #6 doesn't really answer so many questions as much as it brings closure to Marco and Alana's first major hurdle: escaping the surface into outer space. Prince Robot IV's future is alluded to, as he informs a high-ranking government agent that the Wreath high command is aware of the half-breed baby, leading to the agent informing IV that he's got to complete his mission before coming home - a goal IV has had since the first issue. Now that Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples are taking a much-deserved two month break, it's time to start rereading all six current issues all over again!

GRADE: A

Supergirl #12
(Green, Johnson, Asrar)

The initial six issues of Supergirl threw a lot of plot at readers - Michael Green and Mike Johnson did a adequate job mixing the Worldkillers story in with Kara Zor-El's personal conflict against herself and the alien world she finds herself in. Now- after beating the Worldkillers at their own game, finding a new Irish friend, and warding off the evil presence of Black Banshee - Supergirl takes some time to revisit Kal-El, who approached her and was rebuffed way back in issue two. In extended scenes fleshing out Kara's trip to Supes' new 'ice fortress', then down into the depths of the oceans, Green and Johnson do an incredible job with inner monologue, something many creative teams for the 'New 52' have tried and failed at producing effectively. Simon Tycho makes his second appearance (his first was back in Supergirl #3, when he attempted to convince Kara to be a lab rat) as someone doing anything and everything in his power to get to Kara, and it's amazingly creepy.

GRADE: A

4-SENTENCE REVIEWS (JULY 18-24)

Avengers vs. X-Men #8 of 12
(Bendis, Kubert, Dell)

Avengers vs. X-Men #8 makes the series feel like its stuck in a rut, while simultaneously breathing a whole new life into Marvel's mega event for 2012. King Namor has gone a bit nuts - but who didn't see that coming - and proceeds to decimate Wakanda in the ongoing search for Hope Summers, something the Avengers don't take very kindly to at all. Because a hefty majority of the issue is spent fleshing out the battle in Wakanda - as Earth's Mightiest attack Namor one after another, only to be swiftly brushed aside - there isn't a whole lot of actual plot development, which is why this issue fell a little flat for me. Of course, Bendis packs a big punch at the end when Scarlet Witch basically disarms Namor, causing his fifth of the Phoenix Force to fuse with the remaining four, a twist that is sure to make things a bit harder for the X-Men going forward.

GRADE: B-

Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #2 of 4

(Cooke, Conner)

While Darwyn Cooke and Amanda Conner's first issue following the young life of Laurie Juspeczyk reminisced about the high school days of the 1960s - their innocence, simplicity, and comfort - Silk Spectre #2 explores the more groovy side of the era of peace, love, and rock 'n roll. Laurie and her high school sweetheart, Greg, ran off with a few hippies at the end of last issue, and a quick letter home to her "Uncle" Hollis Mason gives Cooke the chance to abridge Laurie's new life in San Francisco for the reader, similar to a film montage. Much like Cooke's neo-retro style is perfect for Minutemen, Conner's subtle, yet fully-featured, artwork is incredible for a series about what it was like being young and free in the 60s (and the fact that it resembles Archie doesn't hurt it one bit). Cooke's moving this series at a deliberate pace that's slowly bringing a world of corruption crashing into Laurie's life, forcing her to do what she knows is right and take up the Silk Spectre mantle.

GRADE: A

Captain Marvel #1
(DeConnick, Soy)

I've always been a really, really big fan of Ms. Marvel - Carol Danvers is the kind of female superhero that's far more realistic than, say, Wonder Woman or Supergirl, and is way more interesting because he problems are more grounded. With Captain Marvel, Kelly Sue DeConnick throws away the 'Ms' and brings Captain America in a for a guest spot to give Carol his blessing to take the mantle of Captain that should have been hers years ago. While Steve Rogers' inclusion was touching in it's narrative reason, I feel split on why Marvel felt it had to include one of it's most iconic male characters in the first issue of a new series that's supposed to be focused on an awesome female character. On top of that, it feels like DeConnick doesn't really know who Carol Danvers is yet, which is something the writer will have to move past if she hopes to give Carol any sort of redeeming qualities in future issues.

GRADE: B-

Green Lantern Corps #11

(Tomasi, Pasarin, Hanna)

As much as I love Green Lantern, Peter J. Tomasi is taking Green Lantern Corps down a path that I'm not quite sure I'm all that invested in following."Alpha War" continues this month, but that name can be a bit misleading: the "war" is more of an Alpha Lantern hissy-fit that's gotten a bit too out of control, causing the Alphas to lock up all the Lanterns they can while Guy and John escape to the depths of Oa. What comes next is kind of silly, as John and Guy find the vast storage facility containing all the old decommissioned Manhunters, as well as a host of other biological experiments the Guardians partook in through the eons. While I'm sure having Guy and John reprogram these monstrosities to eliminate the Alpha Lanterns sounded good on paper, but it just comes off as pandering.

GRADE: D+

Nightwing #11
(Higgins, Guinaldo, Irwin)

While some critics have drawn comparisons between the "Court of Owls" storyline and the new arc from Kyle Higgins on Nightwing, stating that giving Dick Grayson his own "who rules the city?" situation is happening too close to the Batman's. This month, Higgins gives readers a bit more insight into Paragon's underworld army - and those in it who start to question their leader's sanity - as well as Detective Nie, one of Nightwing's more adement detractors over the course of the series. While Paragon struggles to retain supporters for his "righteous" cause, Nie reveals to Commissioner Gordon and Deputy Mayor Kavanaugh that one of the patrolmen supposedly murdered by Nightwing (see all the way back to Nightwing #1 for details) was his lover. Higgins uses this element to bring Nie and Paragon together at the end of the issue, but to what devices is still to be seen.

GRADE: B

Supergirl #11

(Green, Johnson, Asrar)

After ten issues of non-stop action, Michael Green and Mike Johnson take a break from throwing every conceivable threat Kara's way this issue and focus on the Supergirl's acclimation to Earth. After some beautifully drawn landscapes from around the world - as Kara learns more and more about her adopted world - Siobhan insists that her brother Tom take Kara out into the city and enjoy being a normal person for a while. Of course, what would a superhero comic be without a villain, so the nanosuited fellow from the end of last issue pops up to deal out some pain before Kara combines her x-ray and heat vision to basically lobotomize the man inside the suit. This fight with the unnamed assailant is less about introducing a new villain or plot, and more just another point in Green and Johnson's story about Kara's alien nature and how she fits into the human world.

GRADE: A

UPCOMING REVIEWS (JULY 18-24)

Avengers vs. X-Men #8 of 12
(Somebody, Somebody Else)
- Apparently, Namor goes apeshit crazy on Wakanda in the X-Men's search for Hope. Andy Kubert steps in for pencils on this issue, which is great because it's Andy Kubert, but also a shame because Olivier Coipel's work has been so magnificent over the past few issues.

Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre #2 of 4

(Cooke, Conner)

- Darwyn Cooke's biggest effort right now is Minutemen, but that doesn't mean he's slacking off with Silk Spectre, a series that started off with a pretty great sense of nostalgia and teenage wanderlust that encompassed the 1960s so well. Now that our young heroine is on the run, it's San Francisco or bust.

Blue Beetle #11
(Bedard, Guara)
- Booster Gold and Blue Beetle team up again...for the first time! In their official 'New 52' team-up, Booster comes to the aid of poor Jaime Reyes, who has been labeled a menace to society by the media at large!

DC Universe Presents #11

(Robinson, Chang)

- It's the exciting conclusion to "Savage"! Kassidy Sage's reinforcements are dead, Vandal Savage is (technically) a fugitive again, and the serial killer is out for blood! James Robinson has done a fantastic job giving Vandal Savage his 'New 52' remake.

Justice League #11
(Johns, Lee)
- Graves has the Justice League at his mercy, and there doesn't seem to be any way out! "The Villain's Journey" continues as the League tries to defeat the man with nothing to lose. Geoff Johns' "Shazam" back-up also promises to get a bit meatier this month with the debut of Black Adam!

Nightwing #11

(Higgins, Barrows)

- "The Republic of Tomorrow, Today" continues as Nightwing faces off against Paragon, yet another whack-job claiming to be Gotham City's true son. When will these silly villains learn?

Saga #5
(Vaughan, Staples)
- Brian K. Vaughan's epic sci-fi opera keeps getting better and after last month's horrifying visit to planet Sextillion, this issue spotlights the robot Prince, which should be a nice change of pace.

Supergirl #11

(Green, Johnson, Asrar)

- Michael Green and Mike Johnson just wont leave poor Kara alone! Supergirl finally starts fitting in a bit and she's attacked by yet another villain. And she gets new powers! This is still one of the better series DC currently offers. So if you're not reading it, you definitely should be.

4-Sentence Reviews
- Captain Marvel #1
- Green Lantern Corps #11
- Wonder Woman #11

(COMIC) SUPERGIRL #10

STORY: Michael Green and Mike Johnson
ART: Mahmud Asrar

Supergirl is one of the most overlooked titles in DC's 'New 52.' It makes sense; Kara Zor-El is not one of the heavy hitters in DC's lineup of heroes, but she's also not as obscure as, say, Blue Devil or Vibe. No, Supergirl has pretty much always got the short end of the stick since her inception. I mean, this iteration of Supergirl is it's sixth volume. This is the sixth time Supergirl has been rebooted. That's absolutely ridiculous. Along with these reboots has followed a totally incomprehensible character history. So if you think about it, the 'New 52' was best for titles such as Supergirl - those lost in their own continuity, with nowhere else to turn. Like I said before, Supergirl is chronically passed over in favor of bigger titles like Wonder Woman and Superboy. This sucks because Michael Green and Mike Johnson have been building a pretty stable and well-structured world for young Kara. With a little more than just "Superman's cousin" to carry her title, Kara has been tested since the moment she arrived on Earth - including flying back to a ruined Krypton and fighting on a chunk of what was left with barely any powers - and has consistently come out ahead due to her unflinching determinism.


For the past few months, Kara's been kickin' it with Siobhan Smythe, a ballsy Irishwoman with a penchant for mastering foreign languages (including Kryptonian), and a bit of an evil spirit living in her that's being hunted by her father, the origin of that evil. Silver Banshee has been a longtime mainstay of the DC universe - mostly making trouble for Superman over the years - who here is recast as an anti-hero who has been cursed with this evil power by her father, Black Banshee - a new character created by Green and Johnson for this arc and one that I've really enjoyed so far.


While Silver Banshee's powers have mostly been based on her sonic scream (similar to Black Canary), ability to manipulate sound waves, etc. Black Banshee - on the worse hand - is all about the totally evil magics. He powers himself through sucking other souls into his own. This doesn't mean he eats souls to survive; he actually incorporates other souls into his own to make it stronger...more evil. That's a pretty twisted notion, and one that Green and Johnson take to it's literal extension when Kara attempts to 'overload' Black Banshee with her sun-soaked super-body. This tactic has the opposite desired effect and powers up Black Banshee more than he's ever felt.

The side effect of this amount of power results in a little bit of Kara manifesting itself within Black Banshee's soul, a world turned into a warped version of Kara's memories of Krypton. Green and Johnson write some pretty jarring moments as Kara travels through memories of moments that never happened; perversions of the memory of her previous life. Eventually, Kara meets Tom Smythe, Siobhan's older brother who sacrificed himself to Black Banshee years earlier to save his sister. Kara uses her residual energy to create a sword for herself and goes after Black Banshee, who has constituted himself as a Kryptonian flamedragon in Kara's memory.

The ending is what really makes Supergirl #10 interesting. After Kara and Tom are able to wound Black Banshee enough to force him to yak them out of his soul, Siobhan rears her silver head and lets loose a massive sonic scream that sucks Black Banshee into her own soul! She gives her dad a taste of his own medicine and traps him inside her own Banshee soul. It's an ending that's not only satisfying, but also promising for the future. Leaving Black Banshee alive (albeit, imprisoned) all but guarantees he'll be back to give Supergirl and Siobhan trouble in the future.

I'm seriously into Supergirl. Each month, it gets better and better. It completely outshines Superboy and Superman. The final pages of the issue introduce a character who uses a suit to change his shape (Chameleon, perhaps?), whose mission is to kill Supergirl! If Green and Johnson keep going with the same tenacity as before, things look good for the future of Supergirl.

Oh, and Siobhan reunites with her brother who was trapped inside Black Banshee for 15 years. That happens.

GRADE

A